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After trading for Shane Larkin in the draft on Thursday, the Dallas Mavericks look to the available free agents to complete their roster for the 2013-2014 NBA season. During the first few hours of the opening of free agency, the Mavs made calls to centers Andrew Bynum and Brandan Wright. The Mavs contacted Bynum and Wright early this morning as a backup plan in case free agent Dwight Howard decides to recant his verbal commitment and sign with another team.

Andrew Bynum, center for the Philadelphia 76ers, suffered from a season ending knee injury and was named an unrestricted free agent for the upcoming season. Although he declined to workout for teams as a free agent because of his injury, Bynum claims he will be ready by the beginning of training camp. During the 2011-2012 season, Bynum averaged 18.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game in addition to being named an NBA All-Star and an All-NBA selection.

In addition to Bynum, the Mavs contacted center Brandon Wright in hopes of his return to Dallas; however, there are several other teams, including the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks, who are interested in Wright as well. Wright has been with the Mavs since the 2011-2012 season and has proved to be a powerful player. During last season, Wright averaged 8.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. After experiencing a lull in his game during the middle of the season, he finished strong averaging 11.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 24 minutes per game at the end of the season.

While the Mavericks have already received a verbal commitment from center and free agent Dwight Howard, they want to keep their options open as it is possible for Howard to sign with another team. Either Bynum or Wright will be strong players for the Mavs and hopefully bring about a winning record for the 2013-2014 season.